Abstract

COLOMER MENDOZA, Francisco J. et al. Drying of gardening wastes in reactors using biological processes. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2012, vol.28, suppl.1, pp.61-67. ISSN 0188-4999.

Biodrying consists in both reducing moisture and stabilizing organic compounds, in order to obtain a useful product, such as fuel. It also can be applied as a previous step to landfill. To achieve this goal, the heat generated in the aerobic fermentation is used. Some parameters have to be controlled in the process, such as aeration, temperature and initial moisture. In this research, gardening wastes from Universidad Jaume I of Castellón (Spain) have been used. Biodrying has taken place in 25 liters-volume reactors, where we took advantage of the heat generated in the aerobic fermentation. Furthermore, different airflows were introduced in the reactors to supply oxigen to microorganisms. So, in 20 days a reduction of 40-57 % in weight and 45.5-63.2 % in volume has been observed. The final waste reduced its moisture to 41.4 %, with a low heating value of 2000 kcal/kg, therefore it could be used as a fuel in an incineration plant.

Keywords : biodrying; stabilization; aerobic fermentation; heating value; bulking agent.